December 2016 MATAWA MESSENGER "Living With Us" ... page 16

From Residenti al School Tragedy to Canada's New Doorway to Learning

On September 9, 2016, Gord Downie, lead singer and lyricist of the iconic Canadian rock band the Tragically Hip, announced that a multimedia project that included an album, graphic novel (by Jeff Lemire) and animated film would be released depict- ing the short life of 12-year-old Charlie “Chanie” Wenjack, who died in 1966 while trying to return home to Ogoki Post after fleeing Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School. Just three months before, on May 24, 2016, Downie announced he had terminal brain cancer. The Secret Path was broadcast by CBC on October 23, 2016. Shortly after, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund was established.

It was not the first time Chanie Wenjack had been in the news or had music writ- ten about him. On February 6, 1967, Maclean's magazine published writer Ian Adam's story, “The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack." In his 1978 album, the late IN THIS ISSUE: Willie Dunn, Canadian singer-songwriter produced a song called "Charlie Wenjack" MLC and Gladue Reports on his album, Akwesasne Notes. UAV Demonstration in Constance Lake

Downie has provided the needed tools to educate on indian residential schools New Gold Mine Tour which will last for years to come. For Chanie's sister, Pearl Achneepineskum, it fulfilled the promise she made the day her little brother's body arrived home from Chiefs Council/RFA Happenings residential school in a coffin. For everyone involved in the Secret Path, and for Chanie Wenjack, owe a great deal of gratitude. Unity Walk/Symposium Addressing Racism

Welcome New Staff and more....

12-year old Charlie "Chanie" Wenjack Marten Falls First Nati on Chief Bruce Achneepineskum thanking and gi� ing Gord Downie Matawa Learning Centre Students Delve into Gladue Reports

Equipped with this new knowledge, students col- laborati vely prepared a set of interview questi ons, which were presented to Jennifer MacKenzie, a Gladue Worker with NAN Legal Services.

The interview was recorded and aired on Wawatay Ra- dio on November 10, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST. By parti ci- pati ng in this project, students at the Matawa Learning Centre were able to address expectati ons within the By: Trevor Workman, Teacher at the Matawa Learn- curriculum, across several subject areas, in a ing Centre fun and engaging way.

Throughout the fi rst term of the 2016/2017 school Matawa Learning Centre would like to thank Jennifer year, students at the Matawa Learning Centre had the MacKenzie (NAN Legal), George Edwads (NAN Legal), unique opportunity to learn about Canada’s legal sys- Martha Loon (NAN Legal), Neil McCartney (Atwood tem through a project involving Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Labine LLP), Meaghan Daniel (Falconers LLP), Elder Isa- Services, Wawatay Radio, Atwood Labine LLP, Falconers belle Mercier, Hannah Fisher (Ontario Justi ce Educati on LLP, and the Ontario Justi ce Educati on Network. To initi - Network) and Bryn Bamber (Ontario Justi ce Eduacti on ate the project, students were asked to select a specifi c Network) for all their help with the project. topic within Canada’s legal system that had potenti al implicati ons for Aboriginals that were accused of com- mitti ng a crime.

Aft er some thought provoking discussion and research, students unanimously decided they would focus their att enti on on Gladue Reports. Gladue Reports are a type of pre-sentencing and bail hearing report that a Canadian court can request when considering sentenc- TUNE IN EVERY 2ND TUESDAY ing an off ender of Aboriginal background under Secti on FROM 4:00 - 4:30 EST 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code. Gladue was the fi rst case (3:00 - 3:30 CST) to challenge secti on 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code. The process derives its name from "R. v. Gladue," a 1999 www.wawataynews.ca/radio Supreme Court of Canada decision. 89.9 FM in 106.7 FM in Timmins Representati ves from NAN Legal Services and Atwood BellTV Channel 962 Labine Law Offi ce presented students with a history of Gladue Reports, its use in Canada’s criminal justi ce UPCOMING SHOWS system, potenti al benefi ts in terms of sentencing, and case studies in which Gladue Reports could have been January 17 and 31 applied. February 14 and 28 March 14 and 28 2 tudent utrition rogram

ood is edicine

Healthy food helps our children and youth learn and succeed!

Physically - Students are less distracted by hunger, have more energy, show improved behaviour and reduce their risk of developing chronic illness

Emotionally - Students Mentally - Students show more interest in are less anxious, subjects being taught, more focused, ready have more self to learn, able to conÞdence, better concentrate, and social skills and there have better memory are less incidents and recall ability of bullying Spiritually - Students show improved academic performance and are one step closer to their dreams

2 3 When Students Go To School Hungry Their…

…energy levels,

memory,

problem-solving skills,

creativity,

concentration

and

behaviour….

…Are All Negatively Impacted!

Help Our Children and Youth Succeed! Volunteer at your local school’s..

tudent utrition rogram!

4 Matawa Health Co-operati ve Initi ati ve Update

The Matawa Health Co-operati ve Initi ati ve is a two-year, from the ground up, planning process to create a plan for an alter nate health and social services delivery system for Matawa communiti es. From the planning will rise a Matawa owned and directed health co-operati ve.

The Matawa Health Co-operati ve will include primary care (elder, nursing, physician, mental health and public health to start), medicati on (western and traditi onal), capital investment (faciliti es, housing and equipment), Non-Insured Health Benefi ts, BlueCross-like dental and health insurance, and service agreements that will fund community land-based programming.

A framework has been developed for primary care delivery to communiti es that can receive funding from provincial and federal health authoriti es. That framework addresses gaps in health care for remote Matawa communiti es, road-accessed Matawa communiti es and Matawa community members located in Thunder Bay.

We have developed support and working relati onships (partnerships) with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Canada, Ministry of Indigenous Relati ons and Reconciliati on, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, School of Medicine, North West Linked Health Integrated Networks (NWLHIN), Thunder Bay Regional Health Services Cen- tre, Saint Joseph Care Group, Lakehead Psychiatric Insti tute, Anishnawbe Mushkiki, and the Registered Nurses Associati on of Ontario.

We are sti ll visiti ng communiti es to introduce, update and consult on parts of the developing health co-operati ve. Currently, we are focussed on the co-operati ve governance structure, training physicians for Matawa communiti es and creati ng a mental wellness service team model that will empower the support workers in each community, engage regional professionals, and fund each community’s land-based programs. Our fi rst medical resident will go into training this December or January in the fi rst of its kind in the world training program; our mental wellness team model is ground-breaking, and our First Nati ons health co-operati ve is the fi rst of its kind in Canada.

While working on these three areas, all other aspects of Matawa health care needs are also being advance in their planning. If we have not been to your community, please contact us so we can schedule a visit to listen and answer questi ons. For infor- mati on contact your local Health Director or Richard Herbert at 807-346-3675.

Employment Integrati on Services/Career Focus & Northern Policy Insti tute Social Media Campaign The Employment Integrati on Services (EISO) with Career Focus (CFP) is working with Northern Policy Insti tute’s Charmaine McCraw, Labour Force Researcher on a Social Media Campaign. They travelled to Webequie in the middle of November to showcase a couple of former RoFATA graduates who are working in the skilled trades they have been certi fi ed in. Stay tuned for upcoming videos and dialogue.

The Employment Integrati on Services (EISO) and Career Focus Program provides support services to RoFATA gradu- ates as well as all Matawa band members who are looking for full-ti me employment and/or apprenti ceship opportu- niti es.

The EISO and CFP work together to increase client’s skills development and network with employers, groups and associati ons to create employment and apprenti ceship opportuniti es.

4 25 MMTC Tours New Gold Mine and Surrounding First Nations

The next morning (September 28, 2016) New Gold Inc. hosted a mining project tour of their Rainy River Project guided by Stacy Jack. The project is currently at its development stage with an open pit under construction. Upon purchase of the property, and further exploration work, some species at risk mitigation had to take place to accommodate whip-poor-wills and barn swallows in the area. New Gold Inc. set aside some land for the species at risk to use, have put barriers around known nesting sites, and have put up nests specifically suited to use by barn swallows. New Gold Inc. currently has 36 employees working on the pit, with a total of 877 workers employed, including outside contracts. Following the mine tour, the group was given a tour of the Atkinson Road Camp, and a presentation by Chief Jim Lenard of Rainy River First Nation and Dean Bethune of Onikaajigan LP. Onikaajigan LP was developed by Rainy River First Nation and Naicatchewenin First Nation as a partnership with Con- On September 27, 2016, the Matawa Mineral Technical Committee struction Engineering. They work together to deal with environ- (MMTC) members – and other interested community members – mental impacts, economic gains, jobs, and social wellbeing for departed Thunder Bay for , Ontario. They remained in their communities. The two communities also have a partnership the area until September 29, 2016. While in the Rainy River area, with Morris Group to own and operate Atkinson Road Camp. community members had the opportunity to tour New Gold Inc.’s developing mine, and meet with several of the First Nations in the area to discuss their involvement and experience with the mine.

The group arrived in the afternoon on September 27, so the only item on the agenda was a dinner meeting with James Comegan of Big Grassy First Nation and Chris Reeves of New Gold Inc. The presentation and discussion revolved around how Big Grassy First Nation became involved with the mine, and what benefits New Gold Inc. is offering to area First Nations. James Comegan told how the relationship with New Gold was not always so positive, and that it took constant communication to become positive. His community did not buy into the agreement with New Gold right away, either, and that took persistence and a willingness to talk to his own com- On the final day (September 29), the MMTC and other commu- munity members, particularly the ones who were opposed to the nity members met with Chief Brian Perrault and Ron Archie of mine. Now, Big Grassy First Nation has first dibs on many contracts , and later Chief Will Windigo of Nigi- that New Gold tenders; presently, they have a long-term contract goonsiminikaaning First Nation. Both meetings included a lot of providing fuel and trucking, as well as many others. discussion around job readiness and advice for the Matawa First Nations. Some of this advice included:

• Prepare your traditional connection to the land beforehand (compile traditional values) • Acquire community support on project involvement • Work with other First Nations: working together is strength • Take control and don’t let outsiders take over • Be proactive with job training for your community members and identify economic opportunities • Choose good business partners that want to help your com- munity, and make agreements proactively • Know the environmental and social impacts • Keep politics and business separate

Afterwards the group began the journey home. Overall, it was a very educational and fun experience. The MMTC members attended the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association Confer- ence in Ottawa from November 6-9 after this tour.

6 Northern Ontario First Nati ons Environmental Conference 2016 The event included both training and conference sessions on a variety of topics, all surrounding the main theme of “Adapti ng Our Knowledge to Empower Change.” The aim is to integrate environmental stewardship with new technol- ogy and ingenuity with the hopes of balancing economic development.

Several Four Rivers staff presented on various topics throughout the 3-day conference. Hayley King presented on environmental monitoring training opportuniti es and discussed some of the work that Four Rivers has done in the past. Gord Parker presented with Aroland First Nati on com- munity member Mark Bell on baseline sampling, all while From October 4-6, 2016 the 7th annual Northern Ontario discussing the sturgeon sampling projects that Four Rivers First Nati ons Environment Conference (NOFNEC) was held is currently working on with Aroland First Nati on for spe- at the Best Western PLUS Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference cies at risk. Hayley King and Gord Parker presented together Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario. on benthic invertebrate sampling, including an interacti ve demonstrati on. Finally, Geomati cs Technicians Jennifer Dun- Lindsey Jupp of Technical Services and Hayley King of Four can and Charlene Wagenaar presented a workshop on data Rivers were both on the planning committ ee for the event, collecti on techniques, which included a demonstrati on of a and there were many Matawa First Nati ons community smartphone GPS applicati on that can be used for detailed members in att endance. data collecti on and a demonstrati on of the UAV (drone), showing how it works to capture aerial imagery.

Is Searching for Stories!

Would you be willing to speak with members of Four Rivers in an interview about Indigenous cultures? Four Rivers, in partnership with Dillon Consulti ng Ltd. is bidding for a project to develop and provide training courses to government employees to educate on Indigenous culture, the sacred importance of water, and the history of Indig- enous peoples, parti cularly Ojibway and communiti es in the remote North. The course will also discuss some of the modern challenges in remote communiti es, parti cularly surrounding access to clean water, and off er some ideas on how to bett er engage with communiti es, how to make strong, trusti ng, and mutually benefi cial relati on- ships between communiti es and government.

Four Rivers believes that this material would be best coming directly from concerned community members. To make that possible, Four Rivers would like to conduct a series of video interviews that we can use to help develop the training courses. Four Rivers is looking for women, youth, Elders and men who are interested in being inter- viewed to share their stories, concerns and hopes that will help the government to be bett er able to connect and communicate on a Nati on to Nati on level.

Please contact Hayley King ([email protected] | 807-346-6528) at Four Rivers Matawa if you are interested in sharing your stories. We would love to hear from you!

Note: the project is not confi rmed at this ti me, all interested community members will be contacted if/when we re- ceive the funding to undertake the project.

37 UAV Equipment Demonstration in Constance Lake First Nation In October 2016, as part of Community Based Land Use The hope is that we are able to go back, not only to Planning (CBLUP) Initiatives, Four Rivers Group Geomat- Constance Lake, but to all the Matawa communities to ics Technician Jennifer Duncan visited Constance Lake captured detailed aerial imagery of each Matawa com- First Nation to do some GIS training with the members munity and specific areas where projects may be occur- of the CBLUP team. While in the community Jenni- ring, upon request or as work components of various fer had the opportunity to test Four Rivers’ recently types of funding proposals. acquired UAV (drone) used to capture aerial imagery. The UAV is able to capture detailed photos and videos Below you can see two side by side images. On the left during flight, and because the UAV is GPS enabled, the there is the Bing Search Engine Satellite Imagery that is photos can be processed and used on a map as a base free and publically available (similar to Google earth). layer. Capturing this type of imagery can be a really ef- On the right you can see the imagery that the UAV fective community planning tool. collected. Both images are of the community hall and band office in Constance Lake First Nation. Obviously While in Constance Lake the week of October 17th, 2016, the difference in the level of detail is remarkable. Four Four Rivers was able to successfully deploy the drone 3 times, Rivers is excited to incorporate this new tool into many capturing imagery of the community hall, old water treat- upcoming projects. ment plant, the band office and the cemetery.

8 Matawa Chiefs Council and Regional Framework Happenings

In August 2016 Matawa's Regional Framework Team visited Aroland, Marten Falls and Nibinamik and held community meetings while they were there. Matawa Lead Negotiator Bob Rae and his colleague Bryce Edwards brought members and Chiefs and Councils up to date on the issues and challenges. Turnout for meetings was much appreciated and community hospitality was amazing!

Regional Framework team visits on August 24, 2016

Elder Elizabeth Achneepineskum provides transportation Chief Johnny Yellowhead and Bob Rae in on in Marten Falls First Nation on August 22, 2016 August 23, 2016

9 59 Matawa Chiefs Council and Regional Framework Happenings Cont'd On October 6, 2016 the Matawa Chiefs met with Ontario Premier Wynne at Queen's Park in Toronto. The meeting was productive and positive and there will be a follow-up meeting with the Premier just after the New Year.

Bottom row (L to R): Chief Waboose, Chief Towedo, Chief Atlookan, Minister Zimmer Top row (L to R) Minister Gravelle, Chief Wabasse, Chief Allen, Premier Wynne, Chief Achneepineskum, Chief Echum, Chief Moonias, Frank Iacobucci, Chief Yellowhead, Bob Rae

On October 13, 2016 the Matawa Chiefs met with Federal Minister Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science, Economic Development and Fednor) to discuss economic development opportunities in the Matawa region and in particular, bringing broadband services to the remote communities. A broadband line would provide high speed, reliable internet to the Matawa communities, but full funding has not yet been committed to by this federal department. The Chiefs pressured the Minister, however no new commitments were made at the meeting. Also in attendance were Minister Patti Hadju, Minister Michael Gravelle and MP Don Rusnak.

10 Matawa Chiefs Council and Regional Framework Happenings Cont'd From October 26 - 28, 2016 Matawa community reps took part in an international meeting of researchers to discuss Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Indigenous people from Chile, Peru, Nunavut and the NWT attended along with the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Rights of Indigenous People to discuss their experiences and to share knowledge on development impacts on Indigenous people. Matawa Community EDOs also got certified in Shareholder Advocacy Leadership Training (SALT) during the workshop.

L to R: Ruben Campusano - Huasco Altinos Peublo, Chile; Matawa Board Member/ Group Photo with Victoria Tauli-Corpez, N Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Webequie FN Councillor Roy Spence, and; Grand Chief Sergio Campusano - Huasco Indigenous Peoples Altinos Peublo, Chile On November 7, 2016 Neskantaga Chief Wayne Moonias and Ginoogaming Chief Celia Echum addressed a full house as part of a panel at the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association (CAMA) conference in Ottawa. The topic discussed was how development was affecting their communities. Both Chiefs spoke strongly on jurisdiction and community engagement with enthusiastic applause from the audience. CAMA puts on an annual conference that brings together First Nations, government and industry. Matawa is a regular sponsor for this event and had many members, staff and Chiefs in attendance.

Chiefs Wayne Moonias and Celia Echum participate in a panel with Metis Nation of Ontario President Margaret Froh

10 11 11 11 Merry Christmas from Matawa's Regional Framework Department: (L to R) Kathy Brady, Rosanna Peever, Holly Pyhti la and Brook Mainville.

12 Unity Walk & Symposium to Address Racism in Thunder Bay

On October 18, 2016 Matawa Board President Darius Ferris issued a call to leaders and people of diverse faiths and denominations to join him and the Matawa First Nations in an event called 'Walking in the Light.' It was atttended by 70 people and representatives from 6+ faith groups, students from Matawa Learning Centre and Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS), and other organizations in Thunder Bay. A Consensus and Recommendations Report was produced. Another similiar event will take place in the future.

12 13 14 Matawa First Nations Management Welcomes New Staff Matawa Education Matawa Education Intermediate Lead, Christine Avgeropoulos Mental Health Lead, Shirley Fiddler Boozhoo! If you take a closer look at my name, Greetings! My name is Shirley Fiddler and I you will notice that my ethnic background is work as the Mental Health Lead for Matawa Greek. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay. Education. My role is to provide professional I have been teaching for 12 years. My first 3 direction and support to the Matawa Educa- years were spent in remote Northern Ontario tion Department and Matawa First Nations fly-in communities teaching online to First Na- schools to identify and Implement programs tions communities. Traveling has always been and strategies that support students and staff my passion, as well as becoming an educator. mental health and wellness. I was born and The joy of discovery, new insights, experiences, people, cultures, raised in the Matawa territory of but and most of all the new perspectives that travel reveals has have made my home in Muskrat Dam for the past 30 yrs. I have 5 made me into the person that I am today. I have also been very chldren and 2 Step children who have all left the nest except for fortunate to have a great educational experience. Up until this one. My educational background is in Chemical Addictions and point I have earned a Master’s in Education Degree and a Bache- also a Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist-Level 111. I have lors of Arts Degree from Lakehead University. My majors were in many years experience in working with children and caregiv- geography and history. I have also attained a Bachelors of Educa- ers in our First Nations Territory. I look forward in meeting and tion Degree specializing in Junior, Intermediate and Senior grade working with all communities and staff.Meegwetch! + levels. I hold a Geographical Information System (GIS) Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College. GIS is simply a tool for making maps using a computer. I am very excited about my new role as Matawa Education the Intermediate Lead look forward to working and learning from Community Liaison Officer, Michael Knapaysweet each and every one of you. Pictured above is my son Kallikrates Wachay! My name is Michael Knapaysweet, and I. Kallikrates in Greek means “Beauty-Power”. originally from . Recently moved to Thunder Bay in August. Along with my family, my wife, Shaylan, who is attending Lakehead University and of course, Matawa Education our children, Aiden, Madison and Lucas. It’s PASS Primary Lead, Susan Zgolak been quite the journey and experience with Hello! My name is Susan Zgolak and I am the the move itself. And being hired on with Matawa Education primary lead for the Pathways to Achieve Stu- shortly after arriving, it’s been a blessing and quite the learn- dent Success program. I will be supporting our ing curve. I have a small background with Education as a Board community schools and teachers in literacy, of Director for my community’s education authority, along with numeracy, and student success in kindergar- my experience as a board of director in the aviation and energy ten to grade three. I grew up in Thunder Bay, sector. I am looking forward to making my community visits and Ontario and then relocated to Calgary, Alberta meeting as many of you as possible! Thank you and take care! where I was teaching for the last nine years. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, and am a huge fan of the Toronto Blue Jays! I am happy to be back in my hometown Matawa Education and look forward to my new adventures with Matawa! Parent-Student Engagement Lead, Danielle Gibson Hi, my name is Danielle Gibson and I am the Parent-Student Engagement Lead for Matawa Education. This means that I support the Matawa Education families and schools in each of our communi- Junior Lead, Kelly Soulias OCT ties to share knowledge and work together for Boozhoo, Hello everyone. My name is Kelly the well-being of the children and community Soulias. I am so thrilled to be embarking on as a whole. I grew up in Fort Frances, attended this journey as a new member of the Matawa university in Guelph and Thunder Bay, and I have been teaching Education team, under the title of Junior Lead. in Sioux Lookout for the last few years. I have had the oppor- I have always considered myself a lifelong tunity to build great relationships with some really cool kids, learner and I feel so fortunate that I now have families and community leaders along the way. I am honoured this opportunity to build my knowledge within to have this role with Matawa, and I can’t wait to see all of the the Matawa Education organization so that I communities and meet new people! I love travelling, crafting, may continue to develop and share my skills and passions with reading, hanging out with my dog, and of course fishing! our Educators and students. I am committed to doing my best to support the PASS Program initiative in the areas of Junior: Literacy, Numeracy, and Student Success.

14 15 Living with Us… Makwa (Bear) Season’s Greeti ngs! Hope your wood pile is stocked and you are ready for winter! In as early as September, bears across Northern Ontario started preparing for the snowy season too. The black bear works hard to fi nd food to pack on the pounds before the snow arrives. Their body’s metabolism and heart rate start to slow in preparati on for their 5-6 month hibernati on period. Bears don’t eat, drink, urinate or defecate during this ti me. Bears will lose at least half of their body fat over the winter! In January, female bears will give birth, typically to one or two cubs.Osaawi The Migizi cubs has nurse golden-brown while she contifeathers nues that with shimmer hibernati on the on, back and of when its head, they neck wake and around upper April, the baby bears willwings. be Thisabout gleaming 5 pounds raptor’s each! wingspan is an average of 2 meters! They like to nest in the large piles of sticks and twigs up in tall trees or on the tops of cliffs. Rabbits, foxex or other mammals roaming the open areas below will be snatched up by the eagle for dinner. These birds are fac- Four Rivers ingis ready a shortage for winter of habitat too! Theand winterfood sources months because are a great human ti developmentme to do proposals, is increasingly planning occupy- and prepara- ti on for projectsing the starti land whichng as soonthey live.as the snow melts. Last winter we were busy organizing a sturgeon research project, a wolverine research project, and other fi eld work that could only have be conducted during spring and summer. Find out how Four Rivers can help your community in fi eld projects by giving us a call at 1-800-463- 3349! This “selfi e” was taken by a “trail cam” deployed in Con- stance Lake. A human is required to set up the rugged camera outdoors. Once secured, you leave it unmanned to detect animals by heat & moti on. The cam records photos of animals it detects. Once the camera is retrieved, you can view or download your photos for your environ- mental monitoring needs. For more informati on visit us at: www.fourriversmatawa.on.ca

Matawa First Nations | 233 S. Court Street | Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2X9 | Tel: 807.344.4575 | Fax: 807.344.2977 | Toll Free: 1.800.463.2249

16 2016